URGENT UPDATE: Russian troops have seized control of two villages in Ukraine’s southeastern Dnipropetrovsk region, escalating tensions amid stalled diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict. This critical development marks a significant advance for Russian forces as they intensify their offensive in the area.
According to Ukrainian open-source researchers from the DeepState group, Russian forces now occupy the villages of Zaporizke and Novoheorhiivka. The Russian Defence Ministry had previously confirmed the capture of both locations, intensifying fears of further territorial losses for Ukraine.
In a stark response, Ukraine’s military dismissed initial reports of the villages’ capture as false. However, Ukrainian military spokesman Viktor Trehubov acknowledged, “Russians have entered (there) and are attempting to establish a foothold.” He emphasized that Ukrainian forces are fiercely fighting to maintain their positions in these critical areas.
This latest push follows Russia’s earlier claims of capturing a village in Dnipropetrovsk back in July, a region not officially recognized as Russian territory. DeepState’s battlefield map indicates at least two other villages in Dnipropetrovsk are either occupied or witnessing fierce fighting, highlighting the substantial pressure on Ukrainian forces in an area exceeding 31,000 square kilometres.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has previously downplayed the significance of Russia’s advances in Dnipropetrovsk, suggesting they are part of a strategy for a “media victory.” In a nightly video address, Zelenskiy revealed that diplomatic talks are being prepared, stating, “Now, this week there will be contacts with Turkey, contacts with the Gulf states and with European states which could host talks with the Russians.”
Zelenskiy confirmed that his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, and Ukraine’s national security council chief are currently in Qatar for discussions with the country’s defence minister. While Zelenskiy has expressed a willingness to negotiate with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has indicated that no agenda has yet been set for such a meeting.
This rapidly evolving situation underscores the dire circumstances facing Ukraine as Russian forces continue their assault. The urgency of the conflict demands immediate attention from the international community, and all eyes are on potential diplomatic resolutions that may emerge in the coming days.
As developments unfold, the situation in Dnipropetrovsk remains critical, with the potential for further escalations. Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent matter as Ukraine fights to defend its sovereignty against ongoing Russian aggression.
